I think most of us can agree on the ideas advanced in this meme. The question in my mind focuses around hope.
It’s natural to “hope for the best” in all things. To hope our children will do well. To hope our parents live a few more years. To hope our finances survive the latest economic challenge. To hope that rap/hip-hop goes away (sorry, that’s just my hope ;-)).
But what about something bigger? Something beyond the 70 or 80 years we spent on this planet?
We live in a culture that constantly, subtly discourages us from pondering the BIG questions. Go shopping, get a tatoo, pursue another promotion, buy the newest smartphone. THAT, our culture insists, is what we should focus on.
Maybe you’ve done that for awhile. And maybe you’ve come to realize your soul is hungry for something more. Something deeper. (Perhaps that’s why you’re reading this blog).
I wanted something more, and that led me to Jesus of Nazareth, who many people believe is the Son of God. I follow Him because He offers a precious HOPE to everyone – including YOU – regardless of who they are or what they’ve done (or not done).
- Hope to be the person you were created to be
- Hope for this world, which even the most optimist of us must admit isn’t doing very well
- Hope for something beyond this life
How can one guy do all this? Consider these quotes from ancient writers:
- He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.
- The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.
- The Sovereign Lord is my strength. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
And these words, from one of Jesus’s earliest and most influential followers:
- The Lord is true to His promises; He will hold you up and guard you against the evil one.
- I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope.
There it is. HOPE.
So how can you get in on this? Simple. God offers Jesus as a gift to anyone willing to accept Him. All you need to do is say yes to Jesus. Declare, with honest sincerity, that He is your Lord, Saviour and best friend. Ask Him to forgive you for all the wrong things you’ve done and all the right things you’ve failed to do. Ask Him to give you the HOPE only He can provide.
When that happens, Jesus comes into your life and starts to make you who you were created to be. It’s a long process that won’t end until this life ends. When that happens, trusting in Jesus means that God will see you like He sees His Son: perfect in every way. And you’ll be welcomed into Heaven to spend eternity with Him.
Sound good? Yes or no, post your comment below and let’s have a conversation. 🙂
Frank's Cottage 